Home > What happens at the Havens?

 

Step 1 - Make an appointment

You have to make an appointment to attend one of the Havens, so please phone us first. When you call you are given advice and an explanation of your options, as well as an appointment if necessary. In case of immediate need we will aim to see you within 90 minutes from phoning.

If you call the police, they will arrange the appointment at the Havens and accompany you there. A specially trained officer will look after you.

 

Step 2 - When you arrive

When you arrive for your appointment, you speak to a crisis worker and a specially trained doctor. All of the crisis workers and doctors are women. They take down your personal details, explain all of your options to you and discuss what will happen next.

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Step 3 - Forensic examination

If your doctor and crisis worker think it is the right thing to do, they will ask you if you want to have a forensic examination. You decide if this is what you want to do – it is totally voluntary. If you want to, you can choose to do some parts of the examination but not others. You can stop the examination at any time.

Forensic examinations are best carried out as soon as possible after assaults. So, although it may be the last thing you may feel like doing, it’s best to get it done straightaway.

The examinations are used to collect evidence about what happened in the attack and about the person who attacked you.

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Step 4 - Advice

The doctor may also offer you advice on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. She doesn’t usually check for STIs at the time of the forensic examination because it is too early for most STIs to show up.

However, she may talk to you about them and arrange a follow-up appointment for you to be tested if appropriate.

She may provide emergency contraception at the forensic examination and give you medication to reduce the risk of infections.

 

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Step 5 - Follow up

Dealing with the emotional impact off a rape or sexual assault can be very difficult. You may feel you would like help with this. Staff at the Havens can arrange counselling and will discuss emotional support at your follow-up sessions.